Historic cinema gains support from National Lottery Heritage Fund | TheBusinessDesk.com

Hebden Bridge Picture House (HBPH) has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Heritage Fit for the Future project.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to protect and celebrate the heritage of Hebden Bridge Picture House, owned and operated by Hebden Royd Town Council (HRTC), while developing plans to make the not-for-profit cinema more accessible, sustainable and fit for future generations.

Development funding of £305,325 has been awarded by the Heritage Fund to help Hebden Royd Town Council and Hebden Bridge Picture House progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant of £2,223,909 at a later date.

Councillor Keith Butterick, chair of the Picture House Committee, said: “This is wonderful news for Hebden Bridge Picture House and a real vote of confidence in the future of the cinema.

“It is heartening to see The National Lottery Heritage Fund recognise the importance of cinemas like ours, not only as historic buildings, but as working cinemas that continue to serve their communities.

“We’re incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this support possible, and I would also like to thank the Picture House team and Hebden Royd Town Council staff for all their hard work in putting together such a strong bid.

“This gives us the chance to work with our audiences and community to shape thoughtful, ambitious plans that celebrate the Picture House’s past, improve access, and strengthen its long-term future as a sustainable, much-loved cinema for generations to come.”

HBPH first opened in 1921. The project will support the development of plans to conserve the building’s heritage, improve access, reduce its environmental impact and explore how the cinema can better serve audiences, community groups and future generations.

The development phase will allow the Picture House to work with specialist consultants, architects, staff, audiences and local communities to explore options for the building.

This includes looking at improved step-free access, accessible facilities, energy efficiency measures, heritage interpretation, potential for more flexible community and cinema spaces, and the feasibility of creating an additional screen within the building.

The project will also create new opportunities for people to get involved with the Picture House’s heritage, including through consultation, events, activities and work with local groups and schools.